Using real-world STEM to inspire students
Following on from the IEU’s celebration of International Women’s Day, March 8, we look at women in STEM helping to inspire new generations of scientists.
“Dr Megan Sebben is helping to challenge school kids’ perceptions of what a scientist is and what a career in science can look like.
Megan joined CSIRO Education and Outreach in 2017, where she was the STEM Professionals in Schools Project Officer for Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.
Megan is one of over 1200 professionals currently participating in CSIRO’s STEM Professionals in Schools Program, which is supported by the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment.
“Even though we may only spend half an hour talking to the class, for the kids to get exposure to people working on interesting things could be a life-changing experience. I think you can underestimate the contribution just a small amount of effort can make. And I think this program lends itself really well to that,” Megan said.
Megan sees STEM programs in schools as a way to challenge students’ perceptions of who could be a scientist. As a young woman with a science PhD, Megan already breaks some lingering stereotypes.
“There are some incredible female scientists out there doing awesome work. We’re always saying you can’t be what you can’t see,” said Megan, who would’ve loved to have greater access to female STEM role models when she was at school. She is now paying it forward.
Megan gets students thinking about the purpose and application of STEM topics beyond the textbooks.
She told the students, “your passion for the thing you care about comes first. Then science, tech and maths are simply sets of tools that help us do really incredible things for humanity and the planet.”
Cue the flash of figurative lightbulbs flickering to life above students’ heads.”
Read more at the article link below, which also has further links to the CSIRO STEM Professionals in Schools Program.
Sources:
https://blog.csiro.au/stem-programs-in-schools/
https://people.csiro.au/S/M/Megan-Sebben
